(Talen blev holdt på engelsk) 

Mr. Doyen, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to our annual reception for the diplomatic corps.

Since I had the great honour to taking over the role as Speaker of Parliament in June last year, I have had the privilege of meeting many of you. 

I greatly appreciate our excellent cooperation and fruitful discussions. I am looking forward to continuing our cooperation in the New Year. 

Last year, we had not one, but two elections in Denmark.

In May, we held elections to the European Parliament, and in June, to the Parliament of Denmark. 

We have a long tradition for very open and lively political debates when we hold elections. I am pleased that we saw a high turnout at both elections. 

Democracy does not only take place in Parliament, but Parliament has a special responsibility to ensure that everyone can express his or her opinion. 

One of my key priorities is to ensure high quality of legislation and the ability of Parliament to monitor the Government. 

This year, we have a unique event coming up which I am looking forward to. 

I feel tempted to mention Denmark’s qualification to the European Championship in football. 

Several matches are going to be played in Denmark - it will be great. 

However, the event I am thinking about is the hundredth anniversary of the Reunion of Northern Schleswig with Denmark. 

100 years ago, Germany and Denmark agreed on allowing people living in the area to vote in a referendum, concerning their preferred nationality. 

It was a very delicate and controversial process. Nevertheless, in close cooperation, Germany and Denmark – in a peaceful atmosphere - established a new border, - in a peaceful manner - and it has not changed since.   

I only wish that more of our many conflicts around the world could be settled in the same way. 

The anniversary will be marked in many ways with more than 600 events throughout Germany and Denmark. 

For instance, many members of the Danish Parliament will pay a visit to the border region. 

I should also like to mention that I am pleased to note that interest in the Arctic region has increased.

It is very positive that interest in the Faroe Islands and Greenland has also increased – both in Denmark and abroad. 

Many of my Danish colleagues in Parliament share a strong interest in the Arctic region. 

Following our election in June, Parliament even established a special committee dedicated to the development in the Artic region. 

I am convinced this will benefit not only the Kingdom of Denmark but also many of our international friends.

Finally, on behalf of the Members of the Danish Parliament, I wish to thank you once again for the excellent cooperation between Parliament and the diplomatic corps. 

The importance of such a cooperation cannot be overestimated. 

I would like to end by wishing everyone a happy New Year!

So, as we say in Denmark “SKÅL”!

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